Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of Us!

Mastiff.Media
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Hey gang! Tired of the extreme left and far right dominating the conversation?  Welcome to Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of US, the podcast dedicated to balanced news analysis and political commentary. We cut through the partisan noise to examine today’s biggest headlines from both sides of the political spectrum.Whether you identify as an independent, a moderate, or simply someone looking for rational, fact-based discussions, this show is your home for common sense. Every week, we break down complex current events, interview diverse voices, and search for common ground in a deeply divided world.  For more information, please visit www.Mastiff.Media. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

  1. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    The Algorithm vs. The Activists When Social Media Pulls the Plug

    The Algorithm vs. The Activists When Social Media Pulls the Plug EPISODE OVERVIEW In an unscheduled Up the Middle episode, Ross Yerger examines how social platforms shape access to political speech. Beginning with Mastiff Media's own difficulty reaching followers, he discusses reported disruptions involving No Kings, Angie Nixon, a documentary about Elon Musk, and political content in Brazil and India. He contrasts automated anti-spam mistakes with deliberate moderation decisions, including Trump's post–January 6 suspensions, and discusses the reduced recommendation of political content. The episode ends by considering concerns on both left and right and urging audiences and creators to maintain direct, diversified ways to stay connected. CHRONOLOGICAL OUTLINE 00:00–03:07 Intro - Yerger explains this is a bonus. - News stories have prompted him to focus on censorship and bookmarking. - Why likes, shares, and subscriptions may not deliver an audience - Intended functions of liking, sharing, and subscribing - Bookmark website is proposed fallback when social feeds or notifications fail. - He stresses that audiences need a place to find the programming independently of a platform's distribution choices. 03:07–05:25 | “Our name is our address”: making the website easy to remember - Yerger explains the .media domain ending and why he still sometimes says “www.” - A Philadelphia-area jewelry-store naming example illustrates a business whose name tells customers where to find it. - Similar point using Acquisition.com. - He applies the lesson to Mastiff.Media 05:25–07:20 | Introducing the host & the show's middle-ground identity - Yerger describes Up the Middle as “politics for the rest of us.” - Amber May as a contributor on the political right. - Progressive campaign financing. 07:20–09:57 | One show's reach to civic-participation - What happens when audiences cannot access a creator through social media. - Organizers spend months preparing an event only to lose communication on game day. - Technical coincidence or intentional censorship. 09:57–12:20 | No Kings Rally - Instagram shutdown and No Kings on the day of worldwide rallies. - Loss of real-time communicationduring the events. - Meta's explanation: glitch - Organizers remained unable to accessafter the account was restored  12:20–14:33 | Florida context and the “socialist” label - Angie Nixon v Ashley Moody  - Objection to the word “socialist” in U.S. politics 14:33–15:04 | Angie Nixon & GOTV - Late-October restriction: Nixon and Instagram - “Latinos Con Angie.” - Vague community-standards violations - subsequently reversed. - Reinforces concern about losing comms at a politically important moment. 15:04–16:22 | A Musk documentary's promotional account - TikTok's suspension of Alex Gibney's documentary about Elon Musk. - Political-content rules the stated basis. - Protest coalition, a Senate campaign, and a documentary critical of powerful tech boss. 16:22–17:41 | Brazil and India - Restrictions on content of Lula da Silva and favorable treatment of his right-wing opponent in Brazil. - Broader concerns about political and financial relationships involving technology companies. - World Hindu Congress in India - local IT rules. 17:41–19:53 | The “glitch” explanation: genuine political organizing can resemble a botnet - Rapid posting, mass tagging, and coordinated bursts of engagement can trip anti-spam or security systems. - Botnet = network of automated accounts used together. - Systems fail to distinguish hostile automated activity from a legitimate organizer's supporters communicating at scale. - The discussion turns from individual incidents to the design of moderation systems and the risk of false positives. - A contrast with deliberate, executive-level decisions to remove political figures. 19:53–22:34 | Trump's suspensions and the distinction between errors and intentional bans - Meta's and Twitter's suspension of Trump in connection with January 6. - Trump's false, misleading statements or conduct surrounding that day. - January 6 as a coup and draws a comparison with Brazil and Bolsonaro. - Trump's suspension was justified and notes that the platforms are privately owned. - Truth Social - Trump's alternative platform. - A deliberate conduct-based ban differs from an automated shutdown labeled a technical mistake 22:34–26:40 | Political-content demotion, discovery, and alternative channels - Meta's 2024 move away from proactively recommending political content to people who do not already follow it. - The Left's concern that unexpected restrictions disproportionately harm grassroots organizers who rely on free platforms during critical mobilization periods. - The right's longstanding complaints about censorship, shadow banning, and a lack of transparency. - Public conversation dependent on opaque automated systems capable of sweeping mistakes. 26:40–28:20 | Practical safeguards  - Opening instructions: share, subscribe, bookmark, and maintain a presence across multiple platforms. 28:20–31:02 | Conclusion - Sunday's Up the Middle at 6:30 p.m. ET as a birthday and midterm-predictions - Mastiff Media Morning Show, weekdays, 6–9 a.m. ET Recorded:  261031 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  2. Oct 15 ·  Bonus

    Rep Andy Harris v Cat Murphy, Capital News Service

    Rep Andy Harris v Cat Murphy, Capital News Service After a disasterous night in the debate against Democrat Dan Schwartz, Congressman Andy Harris tried to hold an impromtu press avail when he refused to answer a question from a student journalist.   That was the harmless part. Let's just say that if you didn't already know it, a journalist IS allowed to record during an interview... 10/13/26 Cambridge, MD Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  3. Sep 24 ·  Bonus

    60.60.60 September Special

    60.60.60 September Special Special Offer for would-be advertisers celebrating reaching an average of 60,000 daily listeners for the Mastiff.Media Morning Show! For only $60 / month advertisers in the Tampa Bay Area (or national sponsors) get one 60-second ad spot per hour during The Mastiff.Media Morning Show, in celebration of reaching the big 60K Daily Average across all statoins and platforms! For more information check out www.Mastiff.Media/contact , write us at Salez@Yergz.com or call 941-69-YERGZ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

    60.60.60 September Special

  4. Aug 24

    Hang Together or Hang Separately: Inside the White House Media List

    Hang Together or Hang Separately: Inside the White House Media List Spectacles in the CapitalThe host contrasts the financial struggles of everyday Americans with the lavish events taking place in Washington, D.C.Recent events include military parades and UFC fights hosted on the South Lawn of the White House.The upcoming INDYCAR Freedom 250 Grand Prix is taking over the streets of Washington, D.C..The host points out a mathematical oversight by the race organizers, noting that a 250-mile race on a 1.7-mile track down Pennsylvania Avenue actually requires 147 laps.The White House "Media Offenders" ListA new webpage on the official White House website categorizes various journalists and independent creators as "media offenders".Targeted political commentators include Brian Tyler Cohen and David Pakman, alongside a representative from Fox News.The host condemns this list as an authoritarian tactic to target critics, warning that it undermines press freedom and free speech.A Call for Media UnityThe host criticizes the administration's followers, associating the movement with Christian nationalism and white nationalism.He urges independent journalists and creators across the political spectrum to unite against these government actions.The segment closes with a warning inspired by Benjamin Franklin, reminding creators that they must all hang together or they will hang separately. Episode 187 Date 260823.3  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  5. Aug 24

    Sovereignty, Steel, and Hockey Sticks: Why the Canada Trade Talks Collapsed

    The Collapse of the Trade TalksBreaking down the failure of the US-Canada trade negotiations that collapsed on Friday after 11 hours of disagreements.Examining the White House's claim that Canada walked back its commitments versus Ottawa's stance that the US "asked for too much and offered too little."Sovereignty, Steel, and Hockey Sticks: Why the Canada Trade Talks Collapsed The Three Unacceptable DemandsAuto Sector: The US push for restrictive auto sector terms.Sovereignty & Culture: Washington's request to alter policies regarding Canadian culture and sovereignty.Third-Party Trade: The Trump administration's demands to restrict Canada from making independent trade deals with other nations.The Tariffs and the RetaliationAn overview of the Trump administration levying 50% tariffs on 5% of Canadian exports (including beer, whiskey, hockey sticks, furniture, and building supplies).A look at the local impact: Why Jack Daniels is still missing from Canadian shelves.Prime Minister Mark Carney's statement that Canada was "attacked" and his announcement of dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs targeting US steel, dairy, appliances, and electronics, starting September 8th.The breakdown of the USMCA review process and what it means for the future of North American trade. Episode 186 Date 260823.2 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  6. Aug 24

    Jake Lang and The Minneapolis 11: Jake Lang, Mace, and City Hall Chaos

    Jake Lang and The Minneapolis 11: Jake Lang, Mace, and City Hall Chaos Minneapolis City Hall ConfrontationA breakdown of the MPD incident action plan, including the barriers placed outside City Hall to separate opposing groups.Examining the initial spark: Two vehicles illegally driving onto the adjacent sidewalk at a slow speed toward the gathered crowd.The deployment of chemical irritants—addressing the MPD's claim of "mace" versus the reality of OC spray (and the "measurable snot" it causes).Vehicle 1 Arrests (Stopped by Minnesota State Patrol)The MN State Patrol traffic stop near Washington Avenue and Southbound I-35W.Eric Wayne Dawson (53): Arrested on probable cause riot.Stephen Edward Major (42): Arrested on probable cause riot.Matthew Pike Oduguwa (33): Arrested on probable cause riot (hospitalized and cleared for chest pain prior to booking).Vehicle 2 Arrests (Stopped by Bloomington Police)The Bloomington Police traffic stop near Lindau Lane and IKEA Way.Charles Oscar Miles Jr. (73): Arrested on probable cause riot.John William-Kei Irwin (32): Arrested on probable cause riot.Jayden Daniel Scott (23): Arrested on probable cause riot.Edward Jacob "Jake" Lang (31): Arrested on probable cause riot (hospitalized and cleared for an unrelated non-life-threatening injury prior to booking).Additional Arrests at City HallTanner Duncan (29): Arrested for disorderly conduct and obstructing legal process.William Nicholas Love (33): Arrested for assault.Matthew Norby (37): Arrested on probable cause riot (hospitalized and cleared for chest pain prior to booking).Lucas Kaducak (22): Arrested for disorderly conduct. Episode  185 Date 260823.1 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  7. Jul 16

    Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes

    Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes Introduction: Host Yergz opens the show by defining the mission of Up the Middle, aiming to arm independent and swing voters with common-sense arguments against political extremism.Right-Wing Hypocrisy & Legal Troubles: Yergz highlights two recent scandals: the indictment of a MAGA-aligned pastor for explicit materials and New Hampshire Rep. Brian Morse’s revenge porn charges, emphasizing the contradiction with their public stances on family values and book bans.Vivek Ramaswamy’s Vaccine Payout: A breakdown of Ramaswamy’s biotech firm collecting a massive $950 million settlement from Moderna for COVID-19 vaccine technology, contrasting the profit with his public anti-vaccine rhetoric.Hunter Biden’s Defamation Victory: A brief overview of Hunter Biden securing a $1.7 million win in a defamation lawsuit against Patrick Byrne regarding false bribery allegations.A Warning From 2017: Yergz shares a personal anecdote from a 2017 inaugural ball where a political counterpart joked about a "third term," connecting this memory to current concerns over the firing of U.S. Election Commission members.Mastiff Media Announcements: An update on the network's expansion, teasing the launch of a brand-new Mastiff Media Morning Show starting August 3rd.Sign-Off & Outro: Yergz wraps up the broadcast with a reminder to stay positive, followed by a comedic audio montage. Episode 184 Date 260712.6 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  8. Jul 16

    Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis

    Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis I. Show Introduction & MissionThe "Up the Middle" Philosophy: Host Yergz introduces the show as a platform that brings the opposition into the room to test arguments in real-time.Target Audience: Geared toward the 45%+ of swing voters and independents seeking common sense over partisan extremism.Logistics: Recorded live on Sunday evenings at 10:00 PM EST (available at mastiff.media/utm).II. The Central Medical Mystery: Mitch McConnellThe Timeline: Hospitalized in Washington D.C. since June 14th after a home emergency; not seen publicly since June 11th.The Narrative Gap:Official Stance: McConnell's office claims he is receiving excellent care, improving, and remains "fully engaged" with Senate business.The Reality on the Ground: Media-obtained dispatch audio reveals responders were called for an "unconscious person," with emergency personnel performing CPR for a patient in cardiac arrest. CNN footage showed him being wheeled out on a stretcher.Historical Context: This follows a string of health issues, including a severe 2023 concussion, freezing episodes, minor falls, and a recent hospitalization for flu-like symptoms.III. The Political Fallout & Reactions The lack of transparency has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum. Gov. Andy Beshear (KY) Expressed public concern; called the persistent uncertainty "unfair to the state. "Far-Right Activists (e.g., Laura Loomer) Accused GOP leadership of a massive cover-up, claiming without evidence that McConnell is "brain dead. "Right-Wing Commentators (e.g., Glenn Beck) Demanded immediate truth and transparency regarding the Senator's actual condition. GOP Leadership (Sens. Thune & Barrasso) Attempted to quell rumors by stating they spoke with McConnell, claiming he was alert and tracking Senate business. Critics (e.g., Marjorie Taylor Greene) Dismissed leadership claims as "establishment spin" due to the lack of direct audio or video proof. IV. Breaking News: The Photo UpdateThe Source: Bradley Schlegel from Town and Country News (UPVnews.com).The Update: McConnell released a statement and a photo featuring his wife, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.Medical Clarification: Admitted after an unexplained fall, developed pneumonia in the hospital, and is currently in inpatient rehabilitation therapy.Host's Take: Yergz validates the audience's initial skepticism—noting the office's "secret squirrel stuff" didn't look good—but expresses genuine relief that the 84-year-old Senator is alive and recovering.V. The Legal & Geopolitical CrisisKentucky's Legal Firestorm: The state legislature stripped the governor's power to appoint a Senate replacement, a 2024 law that Gov. Beshear is likely to challenge in court.Senate Gridlock:The GOP's narrow 53-47 majority is in unprecedented jeopardy.With McConnell incapacitated and the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, the active Republican vote count drops from 53 to 51.This creates an immediate mathematical crisis for party-line votes and stalls critical spending bills in the evenly split Appropriations Committee.VI. OutroHost Yergz explains the podcast format (cut from a two-hour live show) and directs listeners to join the live broadcast on Sunday nights. Episode 183 Date  260712.5 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

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Hey gang! Tired of the extreme left and far right dominating the conversation?  Welcome to Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of US, the podcast dedicated to balanced news analysis and political commentary. We cut through the partisan noise to examine today’s biggest headlines from both sides of the political spectrum.Whether you identify as an independent, a moderate, or simply someone looking for rational, fact-based discussions, this show is your home for common sense. Every week, we break down complex current events, interview diverse voices, and search for common ground in a deeply divided world.  For more information, please visit www.Mastiff.Media. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

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